Loose Lips Sink Ships

“Hush chile,” as my grandmother used to say. We all know that individual who talks to much. Actually, with the invention of social media I’ve encountered a lot of people who talk too much. Individuals who share their personal business and that of others on a medium that just about anyone can see. Do I really need to know that you and your man had sex last night? Many people have ushered themselves into the unemployment line for sharing what was on their mind. Recently, even my pastor did a sermon on people who need to close their mouths if they have nothing nice to say. The Bible offers lessons on using a filter while speaking, too. So, when I saw this post by Life Coach Kamryn Adams I had to ask her permission to share it with you. I’m happy she said yes.

My great-grandmother used to say, “People will ask you anything if you answer.” My great aunt used to say, “A woman who will tell her age will tell anything.” My grandmother always warned us that “loose lips sink ships.” They each had their own way of telling us not to talk too much. In all the years I spent with the wise sages of my family, there was one constant theme… “keep your mouth shut.”

Like many other popular notions, this concept of talking too much goes back to biblical times. Proverbs 21:23 says “Whoever guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from troubles.” In the New Testament James 3 counsels us about the untamable tongue. Over-communication is nothing new. It remains something that we all should work on daily. After all, you have heard it said that we have one mouth and two ears for a reason.

I find there to be no greater importance of silence than when you are fiercely pursuing your dreams. Once you know exactly what you will do and where you will go, you should be very selective with sharing that information. “Be led” as the old folks say. You may be surprised by the way your own words can get you off track with destiny. Well meaning conversations can cause you to doubt yourself and put obstacles in your own way.

Be mindful of a few things:

The Haters
They say sharing your dreams with people who secretly desire you to fail is always a no-no because they may do something to sabotage you. I believe in God’s preordained destiny so sabotage is not possible in my world. However, it is important not to share your goals with haters so that you do not provoke envy in them. Most of the time we know exactly who our haters are and we may secretly like to watch them squirm. That’s not love. If we are going to achieve our destiny in God then we need to walk in love to bring positive light wherever we are on our path.

The Spectators
People are watching. You can inspire people with your passion for life. As you fiercely purse the life God has for you, there are people watching who gain confidence in their own ability to do the same. Talking to them may overwhelm them. After all, living “on purpose” is not easy, though very rewarding. You should not advise your spectators but simply be an example with your actions.

The Procrastinators
These folks are talking about pursing destiny. They want to talk about what you’re doing and make a comparison between what you are doing and what they are “about to do.” If you stop to talk with them then you will be off schedule. Keep moving.

The Negators
The negators are the most dangerous because they can get you to doubt yourself. Unlike the haters, they are not operating out of jealousy or malice. Negators simply look at life with a half empty glass. If you spend enough time talking to them, you can talk yourself out of your dreams and then delay your destiny. A good way to judge whether or not you need to be quiet is simply to gauge how you feel. If you feel anxious, confused or doubtful when you talk about your God inspired plans then you need to stop talking yourself out of your destiny. If you spend more time talking than doing, then you need to take the advice of James 3 and tame your tongue because it is a small organ that can have a big impact on your life. So hush and love yourself first!

Kamryn Adams is a Certified Life Coach, Certified Relationship Coach and expert in contemporary women’s issues. An emotional wellness advocate and life management expert, she offers creative, sustainable solutions to relationship, family, work and life dilemmas that affect the emotional well-being and daily lives of women and their children. Visit her at, www.kamrynadams.com.